For Ghanaian children, the Ghana Card is not just for adults. The National Identification Authority (NIA) has a dedicated registration programme for children, though the age requirements and process depend on whether the child is under or over six years old. Here is what you need to know about getting a Ghana Card for a child.
Age Requirements: The 6 to 14 Rule
The primary registration drive is for children aged 6 to 14 years. The NIA, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has been running a phased nationwide exercise to register children in this age bracket, often visiting schools to capture their details.
What about children under 6?
Registration for children aged 0 to 5 was initially paused due to technical issues—such as the system generating multiple PINs for the same child. While the NIA has stated the problem is resolved, a new process is being developed to capture infants’ details at birth through hospitals, using the mother’s data, since babies cannot provide fingerprints. For now, the active mass registration is focused on the 6–14 age group.
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Documents Required for Registration
The requirements for a child are similar to those for adults, but the parent or guardian plays a key role.
Mandatory Documents (Provide one)
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The child’s original Birth Certificate issued by the Births and Deaths Registry.
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A valid Ghanaian Passport for the child.
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A Certificate of Acquired Citizenship.
If the Child Lacks These Documents (Vouching)
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A parent, relative, or legal guardian can complete an Oath of Identity form.
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If the child has no known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers can vouch for the child under oath.
Who Must Accompany the Child?
The person presenting the child for registration must be a Ghanaian citizen aged at least 18, of sound mind, and in possession of a valid Ghana Card.
Where and How to Register
School-based registration. The NIA teams typically visit both public and private schools to register eligible children. Parents should watch for announcements from their child’s school.
Out-of-school children. Children who do not attend school can register at designated schools or other approved registration points within their communities.
Premium Centres. The NIA also allows registration for children aged 6–14 at its Premium Centres. There is a fee for this service, reported to be GHS 310 for first-time registration.
Important note: If a child was registered during the 2024 pilot exercise but has not yet received their card, do not register them again. Instead, visit the NIA District Office where they originally registered to collect the card.
Why It Matters
The Ghana Card is now the primary identity document for accessing public services. Registering children ensures they are in the national database for future needs, such as enrolling in the NHIS or applying for a passport later in life.
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range (Active Registration) | 6–14 years |
| Under 6 | Registration paused; new process in development |
| Mandatory Documents | Birth Certificate, Ghana Passport, or Citizenship Certificate |
| Vouching | Oath of Identity form |
| Accompanying Adult | Ghanaian citizen, 18+, with valid Ghana Card |
| Premium Centre Fee | GHS 310 |
| School Registration | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the age requirement for a child to get a Ghana Card?
The active mass registration programme is for children aged 6 to 14 years. Registration for children under 6 is being restructured for a future hospital-based process.
2. What documents do I need to register my child for a Ghana Card?
You need the child’s original Birth Certificate, a valid Ghanaian Passport, or a Certificate of Acquired Citizenship. If you lack these, you can complete an Oath of Identity form.
3. Can I register my child at a school?
Yes. The NIA, in collaboration with the NHIA, conducts registration exercises in public and private schools. Out-of-school children can register at designated community points.
4. Is there a fee to register a child for a Ghana Card?
Registration during the school-based exercises is typically free. Registration at NIA Premium Centres carries a fee, reported at GHS 310 for first-time applicants.
5. Who must accompany the child for registration?
A parent, guardian, or relative who is a Ghanaian citizen, at least 18 years old, and holds a valid Ghana Card must present the child.
6. My child registered in 2024 but hasn’t received the card. Should I register again?
No. Do not register the child again. Visit the NIA District Office where they originally registered to collect the card.
7. What if my child has no birth certificate or passport?
A parent, relative, or legal guardian can complete an Oath of Identity form. If the child has no known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers can vouch for them.
8. Can children under 6 get a Ghana Card?
Not currently through the mass registration exercise. The NIA is developing a new process to capture infants’ details at birth through hospitals.
Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
